#Fatherhood

In a groundbreaking push for gender equality and better parental support, British fathers are being urged to join the world’s first “Dad strike”, amplifying demands for more generous paternity leave in the United Kingdom, where statutory provisions remain among the lowest in Europe. The movement is set to culminate in a public protest with fathers and their babies outside the Department for Business and Trade in London on June 11, aiming to pressure the government into reforming policies for dads and non-birthing partners. The campaign reflects growing international attention to the critical role of fathers in early childhood and the wider debate about work-life balance amid changing social norms.

British fathers are organizing the world’s first “Dad strike” to demand broader, better-paid paternity leave. The protest outside the Department for Business and Trade in London on June 11 aims to press the government for reforms that support dads and non-birthing partners. The movement underscores the growing recognition of fathers’ essential role in early childhood and the ongoing work-life balance debate.

For Thai readers, the issues resonate with Thailand’s own family policy debates and evolving family structures. In the UK, eligible fathers and non-birthing partners currently receive only two weeks of leave at a rate below the minimum wage, and self-employed co-parents receive no state support. In contrast, mothers can receive up to 90% of their average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, followed by a fixed rate for the next 33 weeks. Campaigners say these gaps reinforce gender inequality and limit children’s access to parental care. Research cited by advocates emphasizes the broader social costs of insufficient paternity support.

The pandemic reshaped family life worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. Fathers are taking on more active roles in childcare and daily routines, a trend that appears to persist beyond lockdowns. This shift matters not just for families but for Thai society, signaling evolving parenting norms and social expectations.

Before 2020, Thai culture often pictured fathers as primary breadwinners, while mothers handled day-to-day childcare and household tasks. The COVID-19 era disrupted these norms, with remote work and school closures forcing parents to stay home. Many fathers began assisting with online schooling, meal preparation, and playtime, marking a notable departure from traditional roles.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally redefined family life across the globe, with Thailand seeing its own transformation as fathers take on more active roles in childcare and family routines. Recent reports, including an op-ed from The New York Times, highlight a growing trend: dads are spending more time with their children since the pandemic, and this pattern appears to be holding steady post-pandemic (nytimes.com). This shift has significance not only for families but for the broader social fabric, raising questions about the future of parenting roles in Thailand and beyond.